Having been given the task of sharing something that I have learned, I was reeled back to the beginning of my academic process as a college student. You see, I returned to school 30 years after dropping out of high school and receiving a GED. The motivation to return to school all began when I experienced two strokes and two heart attacks. My condition forced me to stop working and pressed me into a system that is not kind to those who are less fortunate. While at an appointment one day , I took notice of the ill treatment of a client that was not familiar with the English language. Frustrated by the way this woman was being handled, I enquired of the receptionist how one would become an advocate for the clients.
Needless to say, she was not very happy that I had asked. In fact she really took it as a personal insult and responded with a very nasty tone and said, "well!! You have to get a degree in Human Services!! Needless to say her tone was one that said I couldn't do it, and that was all it took for me to get off my butt and register. 6 months later I was a student and on my way. Unfortunately, I hadn't really counted the cost or set a good plan in motion. That first year was a blind leap of faith, the information I was given by a counselor, (whom I later found out was not a counselor at all), sent me down the entirely wrong path. This caused me to waist a good deal of time on classes I really didn't need. Fortunately I did have excellent professors, who assisted me in getting connected with the advisor I needed. Dr. M. Cohen, she is the administrator over the Human services department. Through her guidance I was connected with Professors that Have literally changed my life. Not just because of the information they have imparted, but mainly because of their genuine concern for the success of their students. Even more amazing was their willingness to be transparent.
I realized early, that college unlike high school is a "your on your own " environment. I mean , very few of the professors are tolerant of your struggle with learning. No matter what the reason. Please note; the statement does not apply to all, just those that I personally encountered. As I stated earlier I was very fortunate. There are two teachers, and one student who made a significant impact in my learning process. By their example they assured me that I can and will make it. I hope to share with you those things they imparted to me, which has assisted me in maintaining my zeal to complete the process of education.
An over view of my life says that I should not be where I am. Having been emotionally, and physically abused as well as mentally damaged by others and their madness. It is truly my opinion that my life is a miracle. The medical challenges have been my greatest test because of the extent of the side effects I wrestled with, and at times still do. After having the first stroke and heart attack, I had basically all of my mental capacity as well as physical strength. But when the second hit me it was like night and day. In the beginning I would be afraid to leave home, because once away from the familiar I would be lost. I can remember going out to Wal-Mart one day, and halfway down the road I drew a blank. I had no idea where I had come from or where I was headed. I have never experienced a fear like that since, and really I hope I never do. I can remember sitting on the side of the road crying and praying that I would recall the lost moments.
In my first year of school, I jumped right into 15 credits. What was I thinking after 30 years of not attending any classes? It turned out to be a successful quarter to my surprise. I was amazed that God had given me the ability to learn the material that was required. Naturally coming back to school with out a real plan, to say the least was like a set up for my failure, but as I stated earlier, the right people have been a part of this amazing journey.
The first I would like to talk about Is Ms. Irene Bittrick. Before teaching she had her own practice. This woman that is very passionate in the area of abuse of children/youth/Adults and seniors. Her impact in my life was profound because she challenged what I thought I knew. she assisted me in obtaining the proper evidence based information, to substantiate the opinions I had. She skillfully inspired me to process information before disregarding it. She would just dialog with us. She engaged us in a way that, provoked thought and intent. She didn't just speak at us; she spoke to us and with us. She encouraged personal input and clarified it when she prompted us to evaluate our particular field of study. She warned us of the impending dangers of personalizing and learning the important skill of separating the issues, realizing that it is not about us but the wellness of the client. One of my favorite courses that I took from her was Suicide intervention and prevention. A class that taught us how to catch people at the point that hope is almost gone and help them to achieve their healthy place. Something about the idea of encouraging another gave me great satisfaction as well as zeal to learn all I could about the topic. Ms. Irene seemed to know just how to keep me engaged when at times the entire class was moaning because of the style she taught in. While they could not understand handouts that she read through while giving her presentations, I was elated; the repetition gave me the chance to really get it. Somewhere in the process my brain began to heal and restore itself. I actually got a 3+GPA and was on the presidents list a couple of quarters. It could have been because I took ceramics along with tough courses to buffer the experience. Sociology and Psychology, just to name a couple had my mind reeling.
Then there was Mr. Chris Swift. This is my hero. He was transparent with his inabilities and that inspired me.. He told us about his life's experiences as an ex addict and disclosed his struggle as a dyslectic; he also shared stories of his dysfunctional family life. My entrance test had placed me into a 3rd year college student language skills level. While all the other areas were at a 8th-9th grade levels. I still can not figure that out. Chris gave me a term that changed my life in academic learning. He calls it "The Journey". His principle way of teaching was simply to put emphasis on the personal application of what he imparted. It was our story, personal and clear. He did not like us to respond with what we thought he wanted to hear, but rather what was on our minds. Our opinions and feelings mattered, and our personal input was important.
In Mr. Swifts class my greatest part of the experience, was that of writing papers and doing research on my areas of interest. It enabled me to grow personally. It was an opportunity for me to be supplied with the language that would finally support and explain those things that were a part of my daily applications to life. Those things I could explain but I knew. This was a strange position to be in, to know what you are saying, but not be able to explain it. Awkward to say the least, considering we are a part of a fact driven society.
The final person that I would like to speak about with the highest regard of respect would be my fellow student, Mr. G. L. His life is a living example of a success story. He came from being strung out on drugs, living in the woods. Not caring about anything but the next high. His family had disowned him and from his story he shared with us, even his friends had abandoned him. Yet somewhere in the mess God touched his life and transformed a broken man into a thriving successful student. He maintained consistent study habits and high grades. This was not without struggle. I was fortunate to be there during his journey. We were children in the same neighborhood while growing up. The drama I knew , he knew. The community confusion and dysfunctional family life was shared experience. Church life was shared on all the levels that one could share it. The fact that He turned it all around is the motivation to continue in this journey, He is now at Washington State University furthering his academic career.
These people all have many things in common with me and because of that I was catapulted into a world of academia that I never believed I could achieve. The one most Important however is that they each had their own challenge but overcame them and are successfully accomplishing their goals. They helped me to see that no matter what my challenges I can complete and accomplish anything I put my mind to. There is nothing too hard to achieve. I have learned that no matter what people say in terms of what I can or can not do: the true outcome is totally up to me and what I am willing to work for. It just requires me to press forward when it is not easy, and have confidence in the ability that God gives me to achieve excellence in my life. I have also learned that bad situations have only the power that I give them in my life. I have intelligent choice, and I choose to succeed.
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